IndyCar - Mid-Ohio Indy Preview

With 4 races to go in the IZOD IndyCar 2012 season, Lotus driver Simona De Silvestro is hoping for good results in this weekend’s upcoming race at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, Ohio.

”I’m looking forward to Mid-Ohio. It has always been a good track for me; it’s a lot of fun to drive there! The team has been working hard and I’m sure they’ll give me a really good car again this weekend. We have a lot of guests coming and we’re going to do our best to have a good finish for them.”

One test day at Mid-Ohio

Even though Simona de Silvestro (#78 – Lotus HVM Racing) is very familiar with the Mid-Ohio Sports Car course, she’s only had one day of testing at Mid-Ohio this year, during the week prior to the Toronto race.

Lotus IndyCar Manager, Olivier Picquenot: “Everyone at Lotus is cheering for Simona to do well this weekend. We want this, not only for Simona, but for the whole team. The Lotus HVM Racing Team has worked so hard all season, and has shown great support to Lotus, and we are grateful and appreciative of that. We should see some differences with this engine compared to Edmonton with all the long straight lines. Simona is very talented and her driving style should show more performance on a technical track like Mid Ohio.

Lotus driver doing for charity

Simona is constantly giving of her time and energy to charity. This time, she offered up her helmet for an auction to help raise money for the renowned Riley Burn Unit. The helmet (pictured aboved - click the image to expand) was designed by a 12-year-old Riley Burn Unit patient named Jason Steenburger Jr last May. It was donated by Bell and painted by Austin Polen of Polen Designs. The helmet raised $6000 in a live auction at last week’s Race4Riley progressive dinner fundraising event.

Friday Night’s Taste of Mid-Ohio

As tradition would have it, Cara Charities will again be holding the annual Taste of Mid-Ohio event on Friday night, at the IndyCar Team Hospitality area, from 6 to 9 pm. Every year, this is where fans get a chance to rub elbows with drivers, team members, owners, track promoters and sponsors while sampling a variety of great food including roast pig, salad, side dishes, vegetables and dessert. The Taste of Mid-Ohio spotlights the culinary talents of the hospitality chefs as well as local professionals. Simona De Silvestro and her HVM Racing team will participate in this event.